* ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Express Entry is the largest program for skilled workers interested in immigrating to Canada and it is also linked to many Provincial Nominee Programs allowing provinces to select candidates depending on their labor needs. This program leads directly to Permanent Residency status once approved (spouse and children under 22 can be normally included). Candidates are ranked in a pool for one year (renewable) based on their profile. Generally, the ones with the highest scores or having work experience in targeted occupations or having  a validated job offer are regularly invited to apply for permanent residency from the candidates’ pool based on the categories of the program.

* REQUIREMENTS (this program is very competitive and work experience in Canada or a validated job offer, LMIA supported, is often required to have chances to be selected)

– Be at least 18 years old (ideally no older than 40).

– Have at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent, and ideally a post-secondary diploma of at least 3 years.

– Have at least three years of full-time work experience (30 hours/week) in a highly skilled or semi-skilled occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC), newly TEER 0, 1, 2, 3;

  • (0, A, or B) or equivalent in part-time work;
  • Skill type 0 (management positions);
  • Skill level A (professional positions);
  • Skill level B (technical and trade positions)

– Have at least level 6 for all four skills at the IELTS General exam of English (upper intermediate) and\or French equivalent levels i.e. B2 of the European language levels in a TEF Canada French test.

Once an applicant and his family has been selected or invited to apply for permanent residence (PR), he\she must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their family (approximately 20 000 $ CAD for a family of 3 ), pass a medical examination, submit required documentation and provide a criminal background check. The process normally lasts around 6 months before obtaining Permanent Residency which is the fastest processing time in Canada for all programs leading to Permanent residency status.